ABCs of TCM: Qi

Qi is the life force that permeates everything in the universe.  Without it there can be no growth and change.  Your physical body cannot exist without Qi.  When you die your Qi leaves–it's transformed.  It's true that Qi is "energy," as it's usually translated, but this aspect of Qi relating to power or animating force is just one side of the whole picture.  The other side of Qi is intelligence and function.  What does this mean exactly?  Have you ever wondered how the rising and ebbing tide keeps perfect pace with the lunar cycle?  How a tree knows it's time to sprout leaves?  How your body feels the season has changed from winter to spring and adjusts its own internal rhythms?  It is Qi that allows all things to communicate with each other at an unseen level.  Qi carries infinite messages and pieces of information, connecting all dimensions.  In your body this invisible life force travels in pathways called meridians that form an intricate network, connecting all its parts and systems.  Each of your organs has a different type of Qi, a unique message, a certain "frequency" related to its specific function.  Think of a t.v.  The electricity is the power side of Qi, and the proper function of the internal components (your organs) that allows the set to receive the frequencies of the various channels is the intelligence.  Both aspects are needed:  the power of Qi needs the intelligence of Qi to give it direction.